Prime Factor Math Circle is an extracurricular math program for elementary and middle-school students. In our circle, students develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as learn the principles of logic and math reasoning. Our curriculum includes interesting and educational math topics that often lie beyond the school program.
Prime Factor Math Circle students meet weekly in a small-class setting. The circle sessions consist of an hour and a half of interactive teaching, mathematical discussion and problem solving. The problems and discussion topics are selected to stimulate the students' creative abilities, and to develop their problem exploration skills and mathematical reasoning. Some of the class time (especially in circles with younger students) is devoted to mathematical contests and competitions.
In the 2011-2012 school year the Prime Factor operates math circles of four different levels:
In this circle, we will spend a lot of time working on the problems and getting to the math concepts and ideas through hands-on experience.
For the students who like to ask questions and search for answers. Math is used as a tool for developing their logical and problem-solving abilities.
For the students who want to know more about the world extracurricular mathematics. The potential students should be ready to explore, learn and work on challenging problems.
For the students of grades 6-8 who are familiar with the Year 1 topics.
For the detailed description of these classes visit the
Classes page.
If you want to look at a sample of math circle problems,
check the Sample Problems
page.
To learn more about our math circle, visit the Frequently Asked Questions and About Math Circles pages.
Problem of the Month
A long time ago in the land of Knights and Liars there lived three friends, all mighty warriors. Their names were Ronald, Donald and Archibald. Two of them were liars, and one was a knight. The friends kept their affiliations secret. One of their great deeds was a battle with the terrible dragon that terrorized the kingdom. The three friends fought the dragon and one of them killed the creature. The friends kept the details of the battle secret. However, it is known that the dragon was killed by a knight. Recently, historians discovered an old letter written by Ronald. In this letter, Ronald stated that Archibald had killed the dragon. Could you tell us who actually killed the dragon?